​A new study suggests that many patients may continue to struggle with symptoms of GERD, despite long-term treatment with Nexium and other proton pump inhibitors. According to a report published October 7th by Gastroenterology and Endoscopy News, the findings indicate that these patients require more rigorous follow-up than might currently be typical.

For this study, German researchers collected 323 questionnaire responses from GERD patients at 16 general practice clinics over the course of three months. Though all of the patients had been taking a proton pump inhibitor for a year or more, 39% reported experiencing heartburn symptoms at least twice per week. Twenty-percent of respondents said they suffered heartburn four to seven days per week. Regurgitation was reported at least two times per week by 29% of respondents, while 13% said they suffered regurgitation between four and seven days per week. Overall, one in five patients reported being dissatisfied with their current proton pump inhibitor therapy.

Proton pump inhibitors like Nexium are indicated for the short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other peptic disorders related to the excess production of gastric acid. Other prescription medications in this class include:

In recent years, long-term proton pump inhibitor use has been connected to a variety of serious side effects, including certain types of bone fractures, B12 deficiency, low serum magnesium levels, heart attacks and dementia. Recent studies have also suggested that extended use of these drugs may increase a patient's risk for serious kidney complications, including kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, and acute kidney injury.

On August 26th, Bernstein Liebhard LLP filed a proton pump inhibitor lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, on behalf of an Illinois man who was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease following treatment with Nexium. The complaint alleges that Nexium was the direct and proximate cause of his injury, and asserts that the drug's manufacturers have long been aware of reports linking proton pump inhibitors to chronic kidney disease and other renal complications. Yet they continued to represent that Nexium did not pose any risks to the kidneys. (Case No. No. 16-04801)

Proton pump inhibitor patients who were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or other serious renal complications may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other injury-related damages they incurred. To learn more about filing a Nexium lawsuit, please visit Bernstein Liebhard LLP's website, or call 800-511-5092 to arrange for a free, no obligation case review.

About Bernstein Liebhard LLPBernstein Liebhard LLP is a New York-based law firm exclusively representing injured persons in complex individual and class action lawsuits nationwide since 1993. As a national law firm, Bernstein Liebhard LLP possesses all of the legal and financial resources required to successfully challenge billion dollar pharmaceutical and medical device companies. As a result, our attorneys and legal staff have been able to recover more than $3.5 billion on behalf of our clients. Bernstein Liebhard LLP is honored to once again be named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List," recognizing the top plaintiffs firms in the country. This year's nomination marks the thirteenth year the firm has been named to this prestigious annual list.

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